--- title: RRP Demo and Asbestos Removal Share Similar Risks and Work Practices description: RRP Demolition and Asbestos Removal Share Similar Risks and Work Practices image: https://www.shawnmccadden.com/hs-fs/file-16116946-jpg/images/rachel_headshot-wr.jpg --- [![Shawn McCadden](https://www.shawnmccadden.com/hs-fs/hub/81069/file-1539748069.jpg)](https://www.shawnmccadden.com/) # Welcome to RRPedia Your Interactive Resource for EPA RRP Information ## ![RRPedia logo](https://www.shawnmccadden.com/hs-fs/file-1549005086-jpg/images/RRPedia_Logosmall_-wr-1.jpg)Looking for accurate information about the EPA RRP rule? RRPedia has been created by Shawn McCadden to help remodelers and others affected by the New EPA Renovation Repair and Painting Rule.  ## Please read *[RRPedia Use and Contribution Information](https://www.shawnmccadden.com/using-and-contributing-to-rrpedia-/) *before using or contributing to RRPedia.   --- # You Can Browse For RRP Topics By Using The Tags List To The Right ## [RRP Demo and Asbestos Removal Share Similar Risks and Work Practices](https://www.shawnmccadden.com/rrpedia/bid/75086/RRP-Demo-and-Asbestos-Removal-Share-Similar-Risks-and-Work-Practices) Posted by [Shawn McCadden](https://www.shawnmccadden.com/rrpedia/author/shawn-mccadden) on Tue, Feb 21, 2012 @ 06:00 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) **Guest Blog: RRP Demolition and Asbestos Removal Share Similar Risks and Work Practices ** ### ![Rachel Gilner ](https://www.shawnmccadden.com/hs-fs/file-16116946-jpg/images/rachel_headshot-wr.jpg?width=92&height=138&name=rachel_headshot-wr.jpg) ### Guest Blogger: Rachel Gilner is an Outreach Coordinator for [Asbestos.com](http://www.asbestos.com/).  She specializes in asbestos awareness, education, and safety issues within the online community.  You can follow the organization on Facebook and Twitter for the latest asbestos and mesothelioma updates.   ## **RRP Demolition and Asbestos Removal Share Similar Risks and Work Practices**   In 2008 the EPA began forcing contractors to abide by the [RRP Rule](https://www.shawnmccadden.com/epa-rrp-summary-for-remodelers-by-shawn-mccadden/) regarding lead and its health hazard.  As noted in the rule, certification is required when working with homes built prior to 1978, which is also the same time period asbestos was commonly used in building homes.  Like lead, asbestos is an extreme health risk for contractors and homeowners.  Since asbestos removal is not required by law it often goes unnoticed by contractors.  [Asbestos](http://www.asbestos.com/) is the leading cause of mesothelioma, a rare cancer in the lining of the lungs. **If There’s Lead, There’s Probably Asbestos** ![Asbestos on piping](https://www.shawnmccadden.com/hs-fs/file-15728207-jpg/images/asbestos_pipe_insulation-wr.jpg?width=144&height=111&name=asbestos_pipe_insulation-wr.jpg)The EPA created the RRP Rule because lead is found in many products in homes.  Asbestos was also used frequently in homes in similar products such as paint, floor tiles, roofing tiles, and water pipes.  It is safe to assume that where lead is present, asbestos is also near.   Asbestos is only a serious health hazard when it is disturbed, which means during renovations the fibers may be set airborne and inhaled by workers.  **Best Practices for Asbestos are Similar to Lead** According to the RRP Rule workers are required to remain up-to-date on training and lead-safe work practices.  Although the only current laws regarding asbestos removal are for abatement companies and not contractors, safe handling is still important all around. Here are some good rules of thumb: 1. ![Asbestos Removal signage](https://www.shawnmccadden.com/hs-fs/file-15728347-jpg/images/asbestos_removal_sign-wr.jpg?width=202&height=151&name=asbestos_removal_sign-wr.jpg)Assume asbestos is present if you are working with an older home if it has not been tested by the owners 2. Post warning signs around the area containing asbestos 3. Wear a HEPA certified protective face mask to avoid inhaling asbestos dust fibers 4. Wet down asbestos particles you may see to avoid them from becoming airborne 5. Change your clothes before returning home and keep work clothes away from family members **Protecting Your Workers** Although asbestos is not included in the RRP Rule, companies should still be concerned about the health and well-being of their workers.  Workers are protected under [OSHA](http://www.osha.gov/workers.html), and have the right to a safe workplace.  The law requires employers to provide their employees with safe working conditions.  It would be in the best interest of employers to be aware of lead or asbestos on the premises.  If a proper test has not been performed you should always assume lead or asbestos is present until it is proven otherwise For additional information on Asbestos visit [Asbestos.com](http://www.asbestos.com/).  If you think you may have been exposed to asbestos and would like to speak with someone directly our advocates can be reached directly at 800-815-7924.   Topics: [Guest Blogs](https://www.shawnmccadden.com/rrpedia/topic/guest-blogs), [OSHA Considerations](https://www.shawnmccadden.com/rrpedia/topic/osha-considerations), [Work Practices](https://www.shawnmccadden.com/rrpedia/topic/work-practices), [Personal Protection](https://www.shawnmccadden.com/rrpedia/topic/personal-protection) [![cs-ye-234x16](https://www.shawnmccadden.com/hs-fs/hub/81069/file-1553381212.gif)](http://www.copyscape.com/duplicate-content/) ### Subscribe to RRPedia by Email and get notified about new postings as soon as they happen! ### Are You Documenting Yor Crew's Compliance With The RRP Rule?  [![download free RRP checklist](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/81069/dd6aace9-6cb0-4ad2-a55a-09846d7f5b5e.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/81069/dd6aace9-6cb0-4ad2-a55a-09846d7f5b5e) ### Still Using a Yellow Pad for Your Estimating? 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[Worker Training (15)](https://www.shawnmccadden.com/rrpedia/topic/worker-training) ### I just wanted to say thank you for your efforts to keep us informed.  *"Thank you again for the hundreth time for keeping a vigil on this business nightmare. Your site is one of the best resources we have to stay on level ground"*  **Christian Peter**   *"I am quite impressed with all the confusion out there at Shawn McCadden’s clear and concise voice that continues to help contractors and those involved in this industry truly understand the rule. His efforts should be applauded."*  **Christopher Wagner, LBPFiles**   *"RRPedia is an accurate and contractor friendly interpretation of the very complex and confusing EPA RRP rule"* * * *"Thanks for taking the time to write the blog.  It's about the only place one can go to get some serious info on this dreadful subject"*   *"I would like to begin by thanking Shawn for all of his postings and education that he has been sharing with the remodeling industry. He has personally been extremely helpful in guiding me through various interpretations of the RRP rule, his advice and knowledge are priceless."* **Michael A. Mahoney*** * ### Suggest or Contribute a RRPedia Topic ### Want a Simple Summary of the EPA RRP? #### Shawn McCadden has created an EPA RRP Summary for Remodelers. *"Hi Shawn, **Nice RRP write up on the website.   I've already forwarded a link to it to a number of local builder types."*   #### [Click here to go to the summary.](https://www.shawnmccadden.com/epa-rrp-summary-for-remodelers-by-shawn-mccadden/)  You can also download it if you want your own copy. ### Add this widget to your Web page, blog, or social networking site. A widget is a CDC.gov application that displays the featured content directly on your web page. Click the buttons to see the next tip to prevent lead poisoning.